Chapter 17: My Teacher is Tsunade

These past two days, something big happened in Konoha.

The only remaining bloodline of the Senju clan, the granddaughter of the First Hokage, Tsunade Senju, has taken on a new apprentice.

And that apprentice is none other than the recently famous "Jewel of the Hyuga" Yuto Hyuga!

The civilians and regular shinobi couldn't think much of it and were simply happy. After all, it's a good thing that Lady Tsunade has returned to Konoha to train new talents. It signifies a seamless transfer of heritage within the village, and potentially another powerful warrior in the future.

However, those who knew a bit more about the village's darker side were slightly surprised. The legendary Sannin had not taken on apprentices for a long time. Tsunade's sudden high-profile return to the village and her taking a Hyuga boy as her disciple raised questions about whether the village leadership was reconsidering its policies towards the noble clans, or perhaps...

Both openly and covertly, the name "Yuto Hyuga" appeared in many conversations.

The nickname "Jewel of the Hyuga" was at least well-known throughout Konoha.

...

The highly acclaimed Yuto was currently in the Senju clan's compound.

He knelt on the tatami, wearing a loose white robe, with his long, smooth hair tied at the end with a red string. He appeared gentle and calm.

Tsunade stood in front of him and threw out a package, "For you."

"Yes, Tsunade-sensei."

Yuto opened the package, which contained just a few simple clothes.

A cloak, a vest, a jacket... the materials used for these clothes were excellent, and even with some force, Yuto couldn't tear them.

More importantly, the back of each piece of clothing bore the emblem of the Senju clan.

"These were bought a long time ago from Kumogakure," the blonde woman remarked with curiosity. "Don't underestimate those guys, though they love Kenjutsu and seem rough, they pay attention to detail in some areas. Especially the special combat fabric they use, its durability is among the best in the Five Great Nations... probably because their intense Kenjutsu training requires more durable clothing, huh?"

"You're only twelve, and although you've developed well, you still have a child's body. I had to search for a long time to find clothes that fit you. We'll prepare new ones as you grow."

For some reason, Yuto felt that Tsunade's tone was a bit melancholic as she spoke. After thinking it over, he guessed the reason—she probably remembered her deceased brother, perhaps these clothes originally belonged to Nawaki.

Yuto sighed inwardly and chose a green coat to wear over his white kimono. Though he preferred red, in Konoha, white with a red robe or red with a white robe was reserved for the Hokage. Wearing the white kimono of the Hyuga clan, he had to be careful.

"Hmm, very Cute." Tsunade patted Yuto's head with satisfaction.

"How have you been these past few days?"

"Very good." Yuto replied sincerely. "More people in the village recognize me now. Although I know most of them don't acknowledge me for myself but because of the prestige of the Senju clan and you, Sensei, it is still very satisfying. The feeling of being trusted and expected... it's addictive."

"Our apprentices naturally attract such attention. Ever since that guy taught Minato, the village has had high expectations for our students."

"I won't disappoint you, Sensei."

"Oh? Do you have the confidence to surpass Minato?"

"...To be honest, not at all. Minato-sama is a true genius, far beyond me."

"Yes, mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique makes one very formidable..." Tsunade smiled as she ruffled Yuto's hair, "So, just be yourself and don't worry about others."

Yuto almost wanted to laugh—the chakra of the Senju clan was filled with vitality, warm and cozy. With Tsunade standing with her back to the sunlight, he felt a strange sensation, as if a large golden retriever was petting him...

'Don't be rude, Yuto. The woman in front of you just gave you new clothes,' Yuto reminded himself as he took a deep breath and sat upright.

"Don't be nervous, Yuto." Tsunade withdrew her hand and looked at her disciple seriously. "Tell me, what goals do you have? Don't say becoming Hokage, that's a dream requiring a long, long time to achieve. In the short term, what do you want to do?"

Yuto Hyuga thought for a while and then said carefully, "Sensei, I know that war is about to start. More and more information tells me that the world is on the brink of intense change. Konoha, Kumogakure, Kirigakure... it seems all the shinobi villages are amassing something."

"As a Konoha shinobi, a member of the Hyuga clan, and a disciple of one of the Sannin, I have no reason not to go to the battlefield."

"Therefore, my only thought now is that during the war, I want to protect my comrades in the village. Even if it costs my life and these eyes, I won't back down!"

Tsunade was slightly stunned and suddenly recalled what her teacher said the night before, "That child can think from a higher perspective... what he sees is not just limited to the Hyuga clan."

A twelve-year-old child could already see the world's turbulent changes?

Tsunade sighed and said softly, "If you want to protect your comrades, you need to achieve two things... first, at least a basic knowledge of medical ninjutsu, and second, the strength to fight the enemy."

She looked out the window at the vast but empty Senju clan grounds. There was no one in sight. In fact, at this time, only she and Yuto were in the entire Senju compound.

"You probably know that the most powerful ability of the Senju clan is the kekkei genkai [Wood Release], but unfortunately, including myself, no one in the world has this power anymore... I can't teach you the Senju clan's ultimate techniques. What I can give you are the things I've mastered myself."

"What you will teach me is naturally going to be the best."

"You really know how to flatter... indeed, men are the cutest when they're young." Tsunade laughed. "In the coming period, I will teach you the basics of medical ninjutsu and a few of my specialty techniques. I'll adjust the teaching speed according to your progress."

She thoughtfully touched her chin, "I watched your fight that night. Good physical condition, solid foundation in the Three Basic Techniques, and the jutsu you developed has potential. Combining it with superhuman strength might be a good approach..."

The blonde woman suddenly slapped her thigh hard.

"Forget it, talking so much is useless. We both lean towards taijutsu, so what kind of training suits you can only be determined after getting to know you better."

She tied her hair with a rope and then took out a bell to hang on her waist.

Yuto immediately understood what she wanted to do—a traditional ice-breaking game between Konoha mentors and their students.

"Come on, Yuto." The blonde woman cracked her knuckles, standing proudly like a Valkyrie. "The location is restricted to the back mountain of the Senju clan compound."

"From now until sunset, you have half a day to take this bell from me."

(End of Chapter)